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Original poster

What London museum for a 3 year old?

45 replies

Albgo · 07/08/2022 12:30

Was thinking of taking my (nearly) 3 year old for a day trip to London. I'd rather not go to the Aquarium or zoo, but was wondering if other museums might be a bit too grown up for him?

OP posts:
OttersMayHaveShiftedInTransit · 07/08/2022 13:21

Not a museum but I highly recommend the Horrible Histories Terrible Thames Tour if don't mind paying for an activity (if you were thinking of a museum because they are free please disregard this suggestion).

InBlue · 07/08/2022 13:22

Was going to suggest National Maritime Museum Greenwich but can see it’s the first reply! I take my three-year-old every. single. week. because she loves it so much 🙄so I’m well versed! Some suggestions:

-It’s free, but you can also book a slot for the Ahoy gallery (kids interactive area) which I believe has a small charge in the holidays

-The All Hands gallery on the top floor is free and great fun, and there are always playmates to be found running around on the giant Map by the Map Cafe (while you sit and gently swelter in the heat with a drink and snack from the overpriced cafe).

-When you’re done with the museum, the Greenwich Park childrens play area is a few minutes walk away, which is as good as a play area can get - bring bucket/spade/swimwear/change of clothes and your three-year-old can enjoy the sand pit and splashing in the water, while you sit on a log or a bit of wall with all the other hot parents.

Enjoy!

CottonSock · 07/08/2022 13:23

I'd go to Hyde Park Diana's memorial playground and fountain

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TheWayTheLightFalls · 07/08/2022 13:28

Came on to write everything @InBlue wrote! If you still have energy after that there’s a “beach” on the Thames at Greenwich by the Cutty Sark. Can do a bit of mudlarking.

BendingSpoons · 07/08/2022 13:31

The Tate Modern has an exhibition where visitors can add coloured stickers to a white room. A friend said her 2yo loved it!

RedWingBoots · 07/08/2022 13:38

Traveling on the clipper/Uber, DLR, tube on different lines, train - fast and stopping - and top deck of a bus in the front seats.

That's what all 3 year olds seem to love.

Original poster
Albgo · 07/08/2022 17:39

Some great suggestions, thank you to everyone that posted a response. I'm definitely saving this thread!

OP posts:
Favouritefruits · 07/08/2022 19:02

None, I took my 8 and 4 year old to the natural history museum last week my 8 year old had fun but my four year old was in the ‘seen one dinosaur seen them all camp’ dragged him around messing about it was hot and unpleasant also four cold drink and four ice creams cost £25! Your three year old would have fun looking around Hamleys and a ride on a big red bed!

FridayiminlovewithRobertSmith · 07/08/2022 19:42

Science, maritime, transport are all very good at that age.

A couple of great ones that noone had mentioned yet: The postal museum. It has an old underground mail train tour you can ride in which would have gone down v well when my DC were little and a v fun play area.

The RAF museum is brilliant but a bit further out.

Leggingslife · 07/08/2022 19:46

Natural History and just do the dinosaur section. Head to the park afterwards.

saddowizca · 07/08/2022 19:53

The Horniman Museum is really excellent, just the right size for a young child, a huge variety of displays, and lovely grounds to have a run around in - plus animals and butterflies. Depending on where you're travelling from you can get the air-conditioned Overground there and a bus back.
I agree with PP that the big museums can be a bit boring until they get older, and I always found the Museum of Childhood weird - 'here are loads of toys that you can't play with', and it's really hot in there too.

YorkshireIndie · 07/08/2022 19:54

Transport museum!

Sunfriedegg · 07/08/2022 19:57

Don’t take them,

LydiaBennetsUglyBonnet · 07/08/2022 20:00

The transport museum, they have a great play area

Pinkflipflop85 · 07/08/2022 20:00

OttersMayHaveShiftedInTransit · 07/08/2022 13:21

Not a museum but I highly recommend the Horrible Histories Terrible Thames Tour if don't mind paying for an activity (if you were thinking of a museum because they are free please disregard this suggestion).

I'm not too sure a 3 year old would get much out of the horrible histories boat tour!

bathorshower · 07/08/2022 21:27

We went to Wonderlab (the kids bit of the science museum that you pay for) when DD was 8. We had a great time, but it was much more aimed at her age than 3 - I'd save that one for another time.

XelaM · 07/08/2022 21:30

The V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green! It was by far my daughter's favourite museum when she was little. It's a museum of old toys with loads and loads of free activities for kids.

Original poster
Albgo · 08/08/2022 07:28

@Sunfriedegg why? Because you think 3 is too young?

OP posts:
BryceQuinlanTheFirst · 08/08/2022 07:34

Transport museum

Postal museum (underground train) then Coram fields after or the fountains at kings cross

Sunfriedegg · 08/08/2022 11:02

yes I think three is too young, you run the risk of putting them off, London zoo or the parks might be more fun for a three year old and not as stressfull for you

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